Welcome to Frost Magazine’s new Bird Column!

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Are you interested in all things avian? Maybe you would like to find out more about the birds you see in your garden or on the way to work? You enjoy looking at or taking photos of our native wildlife and birds in particular? Or maybe you think wild birds really are quite boring? If the answer to any of these questions is ‘yes’, then you are in the right place!

My name is Sandra Palme – I’m a professional pet portrait artist, birding enthusiast and experienced bird photographer.  From May 1st, I am going to share some of my favourite bird photos and stories with you, tell you some interesting facts about British birds and show you why  birds around you are a joy to watch and also need your help as sadly, many species are in decline.

Birds are beautiful, birds are fun, birds are clever, birds deserve our attention – and I’ll prove it.

Robin
Robin

So I hope you’ll join me next week!

When speaking to each other, in their languages of colour and song, birds inadvertently speak to us. They include us. And we cannot help but respond – so long as we have some streak of life left in us. (Simon Barnes).

Sandra Palme
www.finepetportraits.co.uk

Leoni Kibbey Finishes Short Film Bird Brain.

In an highly competitive industry Leoni Kibbey is flying high indeed. She has a successful career as an actress, casting director and now, producer. Leoni just finished her short film Bird Brain.

Leoni Kibbey, age 35 from St Albans is a Casting Director and actress who is now producing her own movies. She has plans to make feature films but must first prove her talent with short movies. The first short she produced ‘Chasing’ was screened at the East End Film Festival and 2Days Laughter short film festival. Leoni’s work as Casting Director is flourishing… she is currently working on five feature films including Shakespeare’s Daughter a $25million feature for which she has interest from Renee Zellweger.

Bird Brain will be a steppingstone to producing her own feature films. Leoni knows it is all about the ability to pull together the best team around you and she has a fantastic crew attached and is now raising the funds to produce her movie to the best standard possible. The Director is Giles Greenwood whose last two short films were qualified for the Academy Awards and who is about to shoot his first feature – a thriller in Sri Lanka. Ilan Eshkeri is the composer on the film – he worked on the films Kick-Ass, Centurion, Layer-Cake & Stardust and the post production is being done by Ridley Scott’s Post Production House. A team which bring high hopes for the film winning awards at prestigious festivals!!

Leoni says: “I have always been in awe of the process of filmmaking. Over the last few years I’ve learned so much about the process with my casting & acting work and I feel ready and able to tell my own unique stories..our feathered friends have always held a special place in my life – I was lucky enough to be brought up around some beautiful wildlife in the lake district which is why, when I saw the first draft of the script Bird Brain written by co-writer Colin Moody, I saw a gem that could be developed into something quite special. It is no easy task to produce a film while bringing up two young daughters and continuing my casting work but this is one challenge I am very excited about. In the film world there are a lot of delays and I figured the best way to get ahead in this tough industry is to do it yourself!”

So what is the film about?
Bird Brain is a 20minute short film about a famous birdlife TV presenter and his wife. It is a thriller/film noir. It will be shot on the RED Camera to achieve a beautiful look. The script has received great praise. You can see the full synopsis and more info the film website. www.birdbrainmovie.com .

Would you like to invest?
Everyone can be involved. There are levels of investment from £6 to £10,000 and no matter how much you donate you will be a part of the film and get something in return.

Producer Leoni Kibbey is offering a part in the film or to be a crew member on the film for anyone who comes on board at associate or exec producer level as well as the opportunity to be involved in deciding which birds we feature in the movie. Other ways you can help are to share this article and campaign with anyone who you think may be able to help.

For more information and to find out how to donate email birdbrainmovie@gmail.com

Frosts interview with Leoni is here.